See Beyond Mistakes

"Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles; or the Lord will see it and be displeased and turn His angry away from him. ﻿Proverb 24:17 (NASB)

Observation

Revenge is as old as Adam and Eve in fact it originates with Lucifer’s desire to get even. Solomon understood that there is a satisfaction that comes from payback. But this kind of satisfaction will not represent God well. Instead it may look like God is accomplishing our biding in taking our personal vengeance. When Israel went into captivity I believe in their heart was one day there was going to be a pay back day for their enemies. But captivity was no based on righteous living but on their disobedience in listening to God.

This proverb reminds in the Book of Jonah where Jonah gives us an example of having a pay back mentality. He refused to go to Nineveh to preach knowing that they may change and miss God’s wrath. But God showed him that he is a forgiving God, extending compassion to those who don’t know their left from right. Solomon is saying don’t gloat over the defeat and misfortunes of one’s enemy. Though you may have an inner satisfaction it will not advance God’s will and purposes. Instead see beyond their mistakes and leave them in the hands of God. ﻿

Application

It is hard not to rejoice over the payback of those who do wrong. In fact we want to help God in the process to lower the hammer on sin. Through the mentorship of Jonah I see that behind the mistakes of others is the compassion of God’s love for them. By understanding the compassion of God it keeps my heart free from the mistakes of others. It keeps me free from judging, convicting, and gossiping. It keeps me praying for their salvation and a turning point to change. I think some of the greatest sinners through God’s mercy became the greatest Christian Leaders. My action is not to rejoice or be glad when someone stumbles but operate in the compassion of God

Prayer

Father let me operate in your compassion. I want to be soft clay in Your hands. Cover me with Your Spirit and keep my heart sensitive to Yours.